Margao

Also called Madgaon or Margoa, this is the largest commercial centre after Panaji and the capital of the state's richest and most fertile taluka, Salcete. A pleasant provincial town it was given the status of a vila (town) by Royal decree in 1778. Tourism has had little impact on many parts of the town, and you can see old Portuguese domestic architecture and some fine church buildings while also experiencing daily life in a city going about its thriving business.

Margao is at the heart of its district and wider region. As the main station on the new Konkan railway linking Goa with Bombay to the north, and Mangalore and Kerala to the south, and also a major station on the newly widened broad gauge railway which runs from Vasco to central India, Margao will become the hub of Goa's transport connections with the rest of India.

Market. The covered Market is interesting to walk around. The Old Market was rehoused in the 'New' (Municipal) Market in town. The covered Market is not at all touristy although holidaymakers come here from the beaches for their 'shopping trip' to avoid paying inflated prices in the resorts. Monday-Saturday, 0800-1300,1600-2000.

Other attractions. The pleasant Municipal and Children's Parks are near the City Bus Stand. Monte Hill, a hillock, has good views over the town and surroundings up to the coastal palms beyond paddy fields ('Motorcycle Taxis' charge few rupees for return trip, from centre). The town also boasts Goa's largest football stadium of international standard which can seat 40,000.